Nagelsmann labels Sané criticism a 'psychological phenomenon' before Ivory Coast test
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann pushes back against the wave of criticism aimed at winger Leroy Sané, calling the reaction a 'psychological phenomenon' and confirming the 30-year-old will start against Ivory Coast.
Nagelsmann's robust defense
Julian Nagelsmann gave Leroy Sané a clear starting guarantee for Germany's second World Cup group match and rejected the post-match scrutiny that followed the 7‑1 win over Curacao. 'I wouldn't know why I shouldn't let him play,' the head coach said at a press conference in Toronto. 'I'm not one to be driven by outside opinions. We have an assessment in the coaching staff and one in the team, and we saw things on the pitch that were very good.'
I wouldn't know why I shouldn't let him play. I'm not one to be driven by outside opinions.
The coach went further, diagnosing a ‘drawer’ thinking among Sané's critics. 'When you have someone in a certain drawer and characterize them, everything seen in that direction is judged far more harshly,' he said, describing the dynamic as a 'psychological phenomenon'. He added that Sané himself was unfazed: 'I can assure you, it doesn't bother him. It bothers me more because I don't like it when such things are written about my players.'
When you have someone in a certain drawer and characterize them, everything seen in that direction is judged far more harshly.
Kimmich steps in
Earlier in the week, captain Joshua Kimmich had already spoken up in Winston-Salem, calling the persistent criticism of his teammate 'not understandable'. The two players operate on the same flank and are expected to link up again against Ivory Coast. 'He was extremely committed, never left me alone on our side, always sprinted back,' Kimmich said.
He was extremely committed, never left me alone on our side, always sprinted back.
Sané's tournament record
Sané, now a Galatasaray winger, will earn his 78th international cap on Saturday. In 13 previous matches at World Cup and European Championship finals, he is yet to score. The data, Nagelsmann noted, refute the accusation of a lack of effort, and the coach saw no negative signs in training as the squad arrived in Toronto wearing a yellow cap.
Match stakes
The Ivory Coast match kicks off at 10 p.m. CET in Toronto and could seal Germany's first knockout-round appearance since the 2014 title win. Manuel Neuer will play his 21st World Cup game, becoming the outright record goalkeeping appearance-maker. Nagelsmann left the door fractionally open for changes ('We'll wait through the night and then see') but stressed there was 'no obvious reason' to alter the lineup that thrashed Curacao.
